Sale boss Steve Diamond’s remarkable achievement in guiding the Sharks into next season’s European Champions Cup has been recognised by Premiership chiefs.

The Sale commander-in-chief has been shortlisted for this season’s prestigious rugby director of the season award.

Diamond, who has overseen a total transformation in Sale’s fortunes this season, will battle it out for the top award with Leicester chief Richard Cockerill and Sarecens’ Mark McCall.

Premiership Rugby confirmed the nominations yesterday, with the winner to be announced at an awards dinner in London on May 15.

Diamond’s nomination follows hard on the heels of skipper Dan Braid’s short-listing for the Premiership player of the season award.

McCall has masterminded Saracens’ push for a domestic and European double this season, with a first Heineken Cup final place secured following Saturday’s stunning 46-6 demolition of French heavyweights Clermont Auvergne.

Leicester meanwhile, have joined Sale in qualifying for next season’s inaugural European Rugby Champions Cup.

Both the Tigers and Sale also have Premiership title aspirations this term via the play-offs and to add further spice to the pot, the two sides meet at the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday in their penultimate league match.